Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  33-70259)  pertaining to the LMI  Aerospace,  Inc.  Profit  Sharing and
Savings Plan and Trust, the LMI Aerospace,  Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan, and the
1989  Employee  Incentive  Stock Option Plan of our report dated March 17, 2000,
with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements of LMI Aerospace,  Inc.
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.


                                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
March 28, 2000